How to Detect Common Auto Repair Problems |
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Dan Hinchee
12 March 2015
The more you pay attention to your car, the easier it's going to be for you to detect common vehicle problems before they advance and become very costly to repair. Auto repair issues cannot go unnoticed for long especially if you are keen enough as a car owner. You may notice some unusual odors or simply sense a difference in the way your car operates. We'll just look at a few signs of trouble that most car owners have experienced at some point in time.
Strange fluid leaks
If you notice some red oily spots on your car, it could be a transmission fluid leak. In fact, look out for fluids that leak from your car because it's certainly not normal. Consider the color and consistency of these fluids. You may notice a black oily fluid if your car's engine is leaking oil. Clear water is usually normal because it's caused by condensation from the vehicle's air conditioner. But a fluid with an orange color may indicate trouble so take the car to the mechanic for repairs.
Unusual noises
You may notice some unusual squeals, clicks, clunks and screeches coming from your car. It's very important to take the car for immediate diagnosis and repair because these noises may signify serious trouble. For instance, clicks and squeals usually occur when there's an issue with the engine speed or a loose component like a wheel cover or fan blade that's not intact. Your brakes will screech to tell you that it's time for maintenance. Basically noises emanating from your car mean that something needs to be fixed. Sometimes the car will start making weird noises because of using gas with the wrong octane rating than what has been recommended by the manufacturer. You need to ask your mechanic to explain the reason for any kind of unusual noise and how you can prevent it from reoccurring.
Unusual smells
Sharp odors emanating from your car usually signal something. If you notice a burning smell, make sure the issue is diagnosed because it could be an electrical shock or burning insulation. The smell of gasoline vapors could signal a leak in the fuel system. This is an issue that can be very dangerous when left to escalate. You need to have a mechanic repair that immediately.
Preventative maintenance is very important because it helps to avoid costly breakdowns. Issues like changing the oil can end up costing you a lot of money and making your car unreliable. To find out how often your car needs routine maintenance, you need to check your owner's manual. The number of times the car needs maintenance will largely depend on your type of driving. If you use your car quite often then you'll need more frequent servicing than what the manufacturer has recommended. The best person to advice on this would be your mechanic who also understands the condition of your car. Find a suitable maintenance schedule and you'll keep your car in perfect condition.